How to Wash Cashmere - A Complete Guide to Caring for Cashmere
When you invest in a piece of cashmere you need to care for it with love. At Cashmere & Cotton we don't believe in fast, throw away fashion. Cashmere is a very durable and strong fibre and not as delicate as a lot of people imagine. It is a natural fibre which has been exposed to extreme temperatures and is therefore very adaptable and hardwearing when made into cashmere garments; if treated with care and attention and the correct how to wash guide followed.
Washing Cashmere
Always read the washing labels and understand what the washing symbols mean. There are lots of different ply's and knitting tensions, used across different brands, which means that washing instructions vary. It is always advisable to check before cleaning as not all cashmere can be machine washed, some brands require to be hand washed, and some even recommend dry cleaning.
We have a guide called washing symbols explained which can help you identify the correct way to wash your garment according to the label instructions.
Can You Wash Cashmere?
Yes you can wash cashmere. Hand wash cashmere or with machine-washable cashmere put on a wool or delicate cycle with a cashmere shampoo or mild detergent at a maximum temperature of 30 degrees. Turn your cashmere jumpers inside out before machine washing to preserve their softness.
Machine-washable cashmere is pre-washed and is very happy in the machine. Do not use fabric softener as this will coat the fibres and can cause pilling, but use a specialist wool wash like Clothes Doctor Cashmere Eco Wash. A short spin in the washing machine will leave your item almost dry. Hand washing your cashmere is very simple. Just use lukewarm water or even cold water with a teaspoon of mild detergent and gently squeeze your cashmere items until clean.
How To Dry Cashmere
The best way to dry your cashmere is to lay your garment flat in an airing cupboard or on a flat surface for 24hrs. If it has been hand washed you might want to roll it in a dry towel to soak up the excess water and then lay your cashmere to air dry. Do not place in the tumble dryer and do not hang on the clothesline, as this may stretch the fabric and pull it out of shape.
How to Iron Cashmere
We recommend steaming with a steam iron for the best and safest finish, as opposed to ironing which may crush or flatten the natural pile of the yarns and pull out of shape.On items such as cashmere hoodies, to keep the perfectly rounded hood, steaming is by far the best way to finish. If you hover the steam iron over your cashmere sweater without pressing down, it will take any creases away like magic. To freshen between wearings, you can spray with our Cashmere Spray. This specially formulated fabric spray naturally repels bugs and moths. Always remember to wash your cashmere between seasons as moths love smelly clothes!
For more information on caring and storing for your cashmere why not read our blog on how to care for cashmere clothing.